There are teams that are star-studded, and there are others who are starched. The Kansas City Chiefs fall into that first category. Being one of the best franchises in the NFL means you need to find talent and mostly, sleepers. You won’t have any top draft picks to feed Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, so the ability to find new weapons in later rounds is key. It seems that they did it, as one rookie is making waves.
With their fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected wideout Jalen Royals, from Utah State. Royals was a standout there as he emerged as a touchdown machine. He scored 21 tuddies in his two years as a starter for the team. Hence, when looking at the board, Andy Reid didn’t hesitate to take him.
Considering the team’s injury history in the last few years, Royals could become a prominent name on the team. Yes, he will start at the bottom of the depth chart, but scoring and taking advantage of his opportunities will always get you far in Patrick Mahomes‘ eyes.
Royals profile is very intriguing
Lance Zierlein from NFL.com stated Royals “has good size and is keenly aware of defenders around him, which allows him to adjust routes and improve his chances on contested catches. He’s a decent route-runner but doesn’t have the short-area foot quickness and burst to open wide windows for his quarterback. He’s excellent as a zone-beater and uses plus body control and play strength to bring in catches in traffic.”
While he won’t be Cooper Kupp running routes, or Tyreek Hill down the field, Royals can be a productive assett over the first two levels. Plus, he has an innate way to get in the endzone.
The Chiefs also can use him in other ways
His status as a receiver will be seen only if he gets snaps due to injuries and stuff. However, the Chiefs could also use him on special teams. The Chiefs are not precisely known to have a great kick returner. While not being lightning fast, Royals can still use his awareness to produce good stuff.
This way, he can also impress Andy Reid into giving him more opportunities. Still, Royals has shown the talent to at least be considered as a sleeper pick. Now, it’s on him to prove he belongs in the modern-day dynasty of the Chiefs.